MAY ALL STARS
10k Runner of the Month: Angela Ainsworth
I’m pretty new to regular running. In the past 10 years, I have done a handful of 10Ks and 5Ks, and a couple 14ers. But just this year I’ve decided to really commit to it. Late last year, after a significant health scare of my own and then the death of my mother, I decided that it’s now or never! So as a 50th birthday present to myself, I will complete my first triathlon in June! As a mother of five and grandmother to seven … it’s my turn!!
I began organized training regimens in January with Coach Jon Mason, of MP Multisport. Running is on my training plan 2-3 times per week, focusing on form, speed, distance, or technique.
I chose to run in the Earth Day race because I love the camaraderie of running in a group. This new family has shown me amazing support! This particular event gave me the opportunity to improve my 10K time by seven minutes! Yes, I’m a tortoise, coming in 1:15:15 … slow but sure.
And I love it! I love the feeling of the adrenaline and the sweat; and now that I’ve taken dominion over my own body, there is no turning back! I have really enjoyed the opportunity of getting to know other runners. It seems that we all have a story and I’m truly honored to be among the people that I’ve gotten close to over the last four months.
I consider Green Events a major pillar to the running community, and a common connection for runners to share. I’m especially grateful to Lisa (Race Director for Green Events) for all of her hard work toward putting Green Events together AND all of the words of wisdom she has shared with me!
I hope to see everyone at the next event! Run Fast!!
5k Runner of the Month: Steve Douglas
I am more known for cycling than running, but I enjoy running for a variety of reasons. I started running back in 2006 as training for a 100-mile mountain bike race in Leadville as I thought it would be a good way to increase my endurance as I’m a mostly fast-twitch person and needed anything to help with endurance. My first running events were those on the HP campus in Fort Collins, and I found out that there were many runners on the campus who welcomed me into the running fold. It was a few years later that I heard about the Loveland Classic 5K (former name of the Earth Day race), and I figured that I would enter it as a friend was doing it and I figured I would do it with them … As luck would have it, I got a podium in my age group and I just keep coming back to the event. It’s been the only running event that I’ve done consistently for the past number of years.
As far as my training goes, I run about 2 to 3 times per month but I try to run about twice a week if I am planning on running the Earth Day 5k. My usual training distance is 4 miles with the occasional 6-mile run. I don’t do any speed work, my training pace is typically 9:30-ish and I run mostly on dirt as it’s just more interesting and easier on my knees. I supplement my running training with cycling about 100 miles per week which is enough to keep my aerobic engine in shape. I race bikes, primarily mountain bikes, and am a member of the Old School Industries team out of Boulder. I have been the lead bike for a couple of Green Events races and that was really fun.
I like making videos and as such, for the few times that I did that “bike lead-out,” filmed them and posted them on my YouTube channel. I can be found on Instagram and YouTube under “mutant325”.
When I’m not running or cycling, I enjoy hiking, SUP, kayaking, gardening, baking cookies, skateboarding, board games (mostly Othello and Chess), and tinkering with stuff.
—
“DaHjaj SuvwI’ ‘e’ jiH. tIqwIj Sa’angnIS. ‘Iw biQtIqDaq jIjaH.”
(Today I am a warrior. I must show you my heart. I travel the river of blood.)
–Rite of Ascension, Klingon
Kids Race Runner of the Month: Everett Tubbs
Everett is a first grader at Liberty Common Elementary school. His first official race was the Earth Day 1-mile last year where he found a love for racing. He was so excited to participate again this year and then he came in first place in the Kids 1-Mile race! Everett says he learned the important lesson of not starting off the race too fast. He worked hard on pacing this last year and it paid off.
Next year Everett would like to run the Earth Day 5k and continue to do more races. In his free time, he loves playing with friends, fishing, and wrestling his little brother, Carter. His family is so proud of him!
Lead Bike – Volunteers of the Month: Kurt Wieck, Steve Hyland, and Chris Northrup
As always a big thank you to all the race volunteers, but this month we shine the light on the Lead Bike volunteers. You may not know the full extent of what the lead bikes provide to a race, but the bottom line is they lead you on the good line to the finish line. They arrive early to pre-ride the course, make sure they know all the turns, check that the the cones and arrows are set up correctly, and ensure there are no obstacles or hazards on the course. Then they ride out in front of the race to make sure everyone follows the correct course. You might think lead bikes are only there for the front runners, but really they are there for everyone by making sure the entire race follows the correct course. After they bring the front of the race to the finish line they loop back around to check on everyone and provide support.
Here is what they have to say about volunteering as Lead Bikes:
“I’m just an ex-runner who believes in helping out once in a while. The real stars are the runners.”
Steve Hyland
“I attended because Kurt inspired me. I had never heard of a “lead out” bike before him. I thought it was interesting and wanted to give it a try. It was fun watching the runners from the front, and I was glad to help clear and mark the course to prevent injuries. Look forward to doing it again!”
Chris Northrup
Ambassador of the Month: Melody White
Melody, a long time Green Events Ambassador, is known for always bringing the energy, humor, and enthusiasm to every event, job, workout, or room she enters! If you ran the Earth Day 5k/10k race then you probably saw and/or heard Melody at the aid station in her bright sparkling purple snow suit supporting all the runners and keeping spirits high. She recently had ACL surgury in March, so her current motto is: “When you can’t run, you volunteer.” This is just one of the many things we love about her!
Melody loves to run because she loves to eat! She loves mentoring new runners and working with both Green Events and the Fort Collins Running Club. Last year was a big year for Melody, as she ran in the NYC Half Marathon, paced the Horsetooth Half Marathon, ran the Bighorn Trail 18-Miler, and of course, participated in as many Green Events races as she could! You can usually find her and her little Aussie, Ms. Oakley Blue, at any local race. Look for her comeback to running later this summer after she successfully navigates ACL rehab, but in the mean time you will still see her out volunteering at many local events.
Dog of the Month: Zuri
From her mom Mindy Rice:
Zuri is a great running buddy and loves Green Events races (we do a lot)! The Earth Day race in the snow was right up her alley!
Zuri, a Rottie/German Shepherd/Collie mix, is an almost 6-year-old rescue. Zuri and I run together at least two times per week, although I joke that Zuri just trots because her mom is too slow!
She is definitely living her best life running (or “trotting”) alongside Mindy and is frequently spotted out exploring the trails on the weekend when she’s not running a race. Her signature move is to never turn away a treat!
